7 hours Ago By Firstpost
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has shared his optimistic vision for his country’s future, stressing the importance of global collaboration and the immense opportunities available for growth. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost’s IdeasPod as part of the annual Raisina Dialogue organised by Observers Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Luxon highlighted New Zealand’s potential to strengthen ties with India, emphasising the shared benefits of their partnership. “We’re in a world of opportunities, and New Zealand is blessed,” Luxon remarked, referencing India’s remarkable achievement of lifting 250 million people out of poverty.
The Prime Minister pointed to the digital revolution, which has transformed the global landscape, and noted that the shift towards power—spanning economics to security—further underscores the need for countries to have the freedom to choose their own paths. Luxon’s personal connection to India runs deep. Having spent his younger years here, he has developed a profound respect for the country.
“India is significant for business, but the talent that has emerged from India is the most profound. I have huge respect and admiration for India. India and New Zealand should be really close friends,” Luxon expressed.
He even spoke of plans for a future six-month tour of India after his retirement, a testament to his strong affection for the nation. He said, “India is a country I got to know well in my young years. India is significant for business, but talent that has come out of India is the most profound.
I have huge respect and admiration for India. India and New Zealand should be really close friends. I love India.
. After retiring, I have discussed with my wife, [about] a 6-month tour of India. Luxon outlined the potential areas for collaboration between India and New Zealand.
With New Zealand’s thriving AI sector and a robust technological environment, Luxon sees opportunities to work together in space, renewable energy—especially wind and solar—and in sports. “Sport has a huge benefit for young people,” he said, recognising its potential to build stronger people-to-people connections. Luxon is in New Delhi for bilateral meetings and to participate in the Raisina Dialogue, the annual gathering of world leaders to discuss geopolitical and geoeconomic aspects of the world.
As part of his India tour, Luxon will also be holding meetings in Mumbai, India’s financial capital. On this tour, Luxon’s focus has been on deepening relations with the Indian government. He said the bilateral ties are not just about diplomacy; the two nations must work harder to foster stronger connections between their peoples.
“We need to work even harder to get the people-to-people connection growing,” he stressed. “India and New Zealand can collaborate on space. New Zealand has an AI environment and a good tech world.
We can also offer the transition to green energy with wind and solar,” he said. While New Zealand is geographically isolated, Luxon reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sovereignty and global participation. “We may be a small country, but we stand up strongly for sovereignty.
We have a 15-year defence plan and are actively involved in the region,” Luxon said, citing the presence of military ships from Australia and other nations in the region. On the topic of New Zealand’s role in the Indo-Pacific, the Prime Minister emphasised the country’s strategic position as a bridge between Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. Despite its smaller economy, New Zealand is contributing significantly to advancements in space, renewables, and AI.
“We may be a small economy, but we have a lot to offer the world,” Luxon affirmed. When asked about New Zealand’s potential to become a global hub for innovation and ideas, Luxon was enthusiastic: “It would be brilliant to have a Raisina Dialogue in New Zealand. We have a lot to offer.
” With the geopolitical situation changing fast with China becoming increasingly assertive in the Indo-Pacific and US President Donald Trump pressing the reset button to rejig the long-established world order, New Zealand looks to navigate its place on the global stage. Recently, China’s naval live drills near New Zealand triggered a security concern for both New Zealand and Australia. Both countries expressed dismay in the manner China held its naval live drills.
Against this backdrop, Luxon’s vision for a stronger, more influential country is likely to resonate well with India which also looks to see a promising future growth and collaboration with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region..
